There are four transport options from Sofia Airport (SOF) in Bulgaria’s capital city. You can choose between a Sofia Airport taxi, private Sofia Airport transfer, metro, or public bus. A taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center takes as little as 15 minutes and is very affordable compared to other European cities. Otherwise, you can opt for an airport transfer which offers a door-to-door service in the same time as a taxi but with lots of extra perks.
If you’re on a budget, the quickest public transport option is the M4 metro line which takes 18 minutes to reach Serdika Station. During peak hours when traffic is heavy, the metro is even quicker than a taxi. Alternatively, there are two bus lines, the 84 and 184, which have the advantage of additional stops along the way, with a journey time of 40 minutes.
Private transfers are the best choice for those traveling with luggage who want a temperature-controlled transport in a modern vehicle with zero wait time.
The bus is a good option for those on a very tight budget who only have one piece of luggage per person.
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How to get from Sofia Airport to the city center by taxi
Catching a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center is a fast and comfortable way to travel, not to mention affordable. The airport has partnered with and recommends using the companies OK Supertrans AD and Yellow! to serve as Sofia Airport taxis, both of which provide spacious and modern vehicles that typically seat up to 4 passengers. The ride downtown takes just 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions and all taxis are metered.
How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center?
When you take a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center the price will be determined by a taximeter, based on the distance traveled and time spent in traffic.
During the day between 06:00 and 22:00, you can expect a ride downtown to cost between €7.70 and €10.30 (BGN 15-20) whereas at night (22:00-06:00) the price will be slightly higher. If applicable, a call-out charge of €0.50 (BGN 0.99) and any road tolls will be added to the final fare.
If you prefer to know how much your taxi will cost from Sofia Airport to the city center upfront, you can pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups and receive a guaranteed fixed fare rate with no hidden extras.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
Taxis are located at both Sofia Airport terminals. To take a taxi, you can either approach the dedicated taxi counter in the Arrivals Hall of Terminals 1 and 2, or you can head straight to the official rank in front of the exit, following the yellow marking on the floor.
If you visit the counter, you’ll be given a slip to hand to your driver with all of your trip details to help you arrive at your destination more seamlessly.
Convenience
Choosing to travel by taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center is a very convenient transport option since taxis are available 24/7. Additionally, they are very affordable compared to other major cities. Lastly, in case you are unsure of anything, there are official taxi desks located inside the terminals where employees can assist you.
Useful Tips
OK Supertrans AD offers taxi ride packages that may be of interest to you. You can choose to book an hourly taxi service and have a driver take you around the city to visit the attractions, picking you up afterwards. Ask at the airport counters for more information.
Keep the taxi ride slip until after you have arrived at your destination to make sure the driver follows your instructions and charges you fairly.
Always check that the meter has been reset to the base fare before starting your ride.
Some taxi drivers may not speak English fluently. It’s best to write your hotel address on a piece of paper and give it to the driver beforehand.
Avoid using non-authorized taxi drivers and operators at Sofia Airport as there have been cases of fraud and abuse. It's better to travel with an official provider to ensure your safety.
Getting from Sofia Airport to the city center by metro
Sofia has a great metro system in place, providing a fast and very cheap transport option from Sofia Airport to the city. The yellow Metro Line 4 (M4) departs from Terminal 2 and takes 18 minutes to reach Serdika Station in the city center.
Trains leave regularly and run throughout most of the day, except in the early hours of the morning. There are also several stops along the way to cater to those not staying in the city center, including ‘Iskarsko Shosse Station’ which connects to the railway.
How much is the metro from Sofia Airport to the city center?
A single metro ticket from Sofia Airport costs €0.80 (BGN 1.60). You can buy a paper ticket from the cashier desks and the automatic ticket machines at the Airport Metro Station or you can tap your credit/debit card at the blue barriers in front of the station.
Cost
€0.80
Trip Duration
18 Min.
The wait time for the metro ranges from 10 to 15 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The metro operates between 05:26 and 23:49 on weekdays and 05:27 and 23:33 on weekends.
Where do I catch the metro from?
The Sofia Airport Metro Station is located next to the Departures building at Terminal 2. Simply follow the blue floor markings and signage within the airport. If you land at Terminal 1, you will need to transfer via shuttle bus to Terminal 2.
Convenience
Using the metro to get from Sofia Airport to the city is a very convenient transport option, especially if your final destination is within walking distance of Serdika Station. However, it can be a hassle to change lines or transfer to a bus or taxi, particularly when traveling with luggage or in winter when the weather is particularly cold.
Timetables
Metro Timetable
Sofia Airport to Serdika Station
Metro Network Map
Useful Tips
Sofia Airport provides a free 24/7 shuttle bus between Terminals 1 and 2 every 30 to 40 minutes.
When you buy a paper ticket it is valid for an unlimited number of transfers within the metro network until you reach your destination. If you purchase your ticket by tapping on with a credit card, the transfer window is only valid for 30 minutes.
Remember to check your exact destination before boarding the Sofia Metro network. Serdika station is one of the most central stations in downtown Sofia, but you may need to get off at a different stop.
There are several metro ticket options available. If you wish to use the Sofia metro more than once, you may want to consider the 1-day or 3-day ticket.
The ticket should be validated at the barriers to the entrance to the metro station.
How to get from Sofia Airport to the city center by bus
There are two buses from Sofia Airport to the city center of Sofia: 84 and 184. Both buses follow the same route to the city center, where you need to get off the bus at ‘General Gurko Street’ next to Knyazheska Garden.
The journey duration is 40 minutes and buses leave the airport daily, every 30 minutes on average, passing by both terminals.
How much is the bus from Sofia Airport to the city center?
A single bus ticket to the city center of Sofia costs €0.80 (BGN1.60) for either bus. You can purchase a bus ticket from kiosks and machines at Sofia Airport Arrivals Hall. There’s also an Urban Mobility Centre in Terminal 2, where you can purchase tickets and ask for help.
Cost
€0.80
Trip Duration
40 Min.
*Traffic conditions can significantly alter the duration of the journey to Sofia city center.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Buses 84 and 184 leave the airport every 30 minutes on average. Bus 84 operates from 05:40 until 23.36 and bus 184 operates between 04:50 and 23.17.
Where does the bus depart from?
Buses stop at both Sofia Airport terminals, right outside the Arrivals Hall as you exit the building. You can request more information at the kiosks.
Convenience
Traveling by bus from Sofia Airport to the city center isn’t the most convenient option. There is no overnight service and passengers are only entitled to two pieces of luggage each due to restricted space on board. The city center stop is located on the outskirts of the central district, so you may need to use another bus or a taxi from there to reach your accommodation.
For a direct service that will take you to the curb of your hotel, we suggest pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Timetables
Bus Schedule Information
Sofia Airport to General Gurko Street
Useful Tips
Avoid using the bus if you're traveling as a large group or with children since the service can get busy.
You can purchase bus tickets using the local currency, the Bulgarian lev. Although Bulgaria is part of the EU, it doesn't use the euro yet.
Tickets can also be purchased using a credit card.
Bus schedule information is available on the Urban Mobility Centre website. Locating your bus number online will give you an indication of times and routes.
How to get from Sofia Airport to the city center by private transfer
If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to travel upon landing in Sofia, a Sofia Airport transfer is easily the best option. From Sofia Airport, the transfer to the city takes just 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
The best part is that you’ll be delivered safely to the door of your hotel with no effort on your part. Drivers are trained and speak fluent English, plus they know the city well which ensures there are no hiccups along the way.
Private transfers, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, are the only fully customizable transport option. This means your ride can be tailored to suit you and your group’s needs specifically. You’ll also receive:
24/7 customer support
Guaranteed fixed-fare pricing
A personalized airport meet-and-greet
Flight monitoring
On top of that, your driver will give you a mini tour of Sofia on the way to your destination while sharing some of their insider knowledge on things to see and do.
How much does a private transfer from Sofia Airport to the city cost?
When you book a private transfer you have the benefit of receiving a fixed quote ahead of time, detailing the overall cost. Knowing the final cost of your fare before traveling allows you to budget and travel with confidence, with peace of mind that the price won’t have added surcharges or increase if you get stuck in traffic.
That said, a Sofia Airport transfer to the city will cost €23 (BGN 45) for a ride in a comfortable sedan that can seat 4 passengers. Alternatively, you can choose to travel in an 8-seater minivan for €34 (BGN 66.50), ideal for larger groups and families.
To book your ride, you’ll need to enter your flight details and personal information, along with your preferred pick-up time online or through the Welcome Pickups app. The whole process can be completed in less than a minute.
Cost
€23
Trip Duration
15 Min.
When booked in advance your private transfer will be ready and waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Sofia International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Your personal Sofia Airport driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall of your terminal after you’ve collected your bags. You won’t miss them as they’ll be holding a sign with your name, plus you will have been sent their details along with a photo the day before. After introducing themselves, your driver will help you with your luggage and show you to your pre-selected private vehicle.
Convenience
Private transfers offer a fully personalized and customizable journey with complete flexibility over the schedule and vehicle type. Being able to organize everything in advance means there are no surprises on the day, ensuring a seamless and relaxing ride to your hotel. Not to mention the affordable pricing!
Useful Tips
Your private transfer can be catered to your needs and wants entirely; be sure to submit any requests such as a larger vehicle or child booster seat at the time of booking.
Your driver will be notified if your flight experiences any delays so that they can still be there to meet you right on time when your plane lands.
Payment will be taken at the time of booking so that on the day of travel you can simply turn up and go with nothing to worry about.
Tipping isn't expected when you book a private transfer, although you are welcome to thank your driver for exceptional service with a little something extra. This can be done with cash or through the app.
Sofia Airport private transfers
Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.
How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center?
When traveling by taxi, the cost from Sofia Airport to the city center shouldn’t be more than €10.30 (BGN 20), excluding tolls and surcharges.
How do I get to Sofia city center from the airport?
There are several ways to reach the city center from Sofia Airport. The quickest and easiest way is to take an airport taxi or private transfer which takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Is there a train from Sofia City to the airport?
There isn’t a train from Sofia Airport to the city center, however, there are other public transport options including the M4 metro line and the 84 and 184 bus lines, all of which cost €0.80 (BGN 1.60).
How far is Sofia from the airport?
The distance from Sofia Airport to the city center is approximately 10 km which takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach when traveling by taxi or private transfer. There is also the option of the metro which takes 18 minutes or two bus lines which take 40 minutes, both of which cost just €0.80 (BGN1.60).
Catching a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center is a fast and comfortable way to travel, not to mention affordable. The airport has partnered with and recommends using the companies OK Supertrans AD and Yellow! to serve as Sofia Airport taxis, both of which provide spacious and modern vehicles that typically seat up to 4 passengers. The ride downtown takes just 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions and all taxis are metered.
How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center?
When you take a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center the price will be determined by a taximeter, based on the distance traveled and time spent in traffic.
During the day between 06:00 and 22:00, you can expect a ride downtown to cost between €7.70 and €10.30 (BGN 15-20) whereas at night (22:00-06:00) the price will be slightly higher. If applicable, a call-out charge of €0.50 (BGN 0.99) and any road tolls will be added to the final fare.
If you prefer to know how much your taxi will cost from Sofia Airport to the city center upfront, you can pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups and receive a guaranteed fixed fare rate with no hidden extras.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
Taxis are located at both Sofia Airport terminals. To take a taxi, you can either approach the dedicated taxi counter in the Arrivals Hall of Terminals 1 and 2, or you can head straight to the official rank in front of the exit, following the yellow marking on the floor.
If you visit the counter, you’ll be given a slip to hand to your driver with all of your trip details to help you arrive at your destination more seamlessly.
Convenience
Choosing to travel by taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center is a very convenient transport option since taxis are available 24/7. Additionally, they are very affordable compared to other major cities. Lastly, in case you are unsure of anything, there are official taxi desks located inside the terminals where employees can assist you.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreSofia has a great metro system in place, providing a fast and very cheap transport option from Sofia Airport to the city. The yellow Metro Line 4 (M4) departs from Terminal 2 and takes 18 minutes to reach Serdika Station in the city center.
Trains leave regularly and run throughout most of the day, except in the early hours of the morning. There are also several stops along the way to cater to those not staying in the city center, including ‘Iskarsko Shosse Station’ which connects to the railway.
How much is the metro from Sofia Airport to the city center?
A single metro ticket from Sofia Airport costs €0.80 (BGN 1.60). You can buy a paper ticket from the cashier desks and the automatic ticket machines at the Airport Metro Station or you can tap your credit/debit card at the blue barriers in front of the station.
The metro operates between 05:26 and 23:49 on weekdays and 05:27 and 23:33 on weekends.
Where do I catch the metro from?
The Sofia Airport Metro Station is located next to the Departures building at Terminal 2. Simply follow the blue floor markings and signage within the airport. If you land at Terminal 1, you will need to transfer via shuttle bus to Terminal 2.
Convenience
Using the metro to get from Sofia Airport to the city is a very convenient transport option, especially if your final destination is within walking distance of Serdika Station. However, it can be a hassle to change lines or transfer to a bus or taxi, particularly when traveling with luggage or in winter when the weather is particularly cold.
Timetables
Metro Timetable
Sofia Airport to Serdika Station
Metro Network Map
Useful Tips
There are two buses from Sofia Airport to the city center of Sofia: 84 and 184. Both buses follow the same route to the city center, where you need to get off the bus at ‘General Gurko Street’ next to Knyazheska Garden.
The journey duration is 40 minutes and buses leave the airport daily, every 30 minutes on average, passing by both terminals.
How much is the bus from Sofia Airport to the city center?
A single bus ticket to the city center of Sofia costs €0.80 (BGN1.60) for either bus. You can purchase a bus ticket from kiosks and machines at Sofia Airport Arrivals Hall. There’s also an Urban Mobility Centre in Terminal 2, where you can purchase tickets and ask for help.
Buses 84 and 184 leave the airport every 30 minutes on average. Bus 84 operates from 05:40 until 23.36 and bus 184 operates between 04:50 and 23.17.
Where does the bus depart from?
Buses stop at both Sofia Airport terminals, right outside the Arrivals Hall as you exit the building. You can request more information at the kiosks.
Convenience
Traveling by bus from Sofia Airport to the city center isn’t the most convenient option. There is no overnight service and passengers are only entitled to two pieces of luggage each due to restricted space on board. The city center stop is located on the outskirts of the central district, so you may need to use another bus or a taxi from there to reach your accommodation.
For a direct service that will take you to the curb of your hotel, we suggest pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Timetables
Bus Schedule Information
Sofia Airport to General Gurko Street
Useful Tips
If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to travel upon landing in Sofia, a Sofia Airport transfer is easily the best option. From Sofia Airport, the transfer to the city takes just 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
The best part is that you’ll be delivered safely to the door of your hotel with no effort on your part. Drivers are trained and speak fluent English, plus they know the city well which ensures there are no hiccups along the way.
Private transfers, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, are the only fully customizable transport option. This means your ride can be tailored to suit you and your group’s needs specifically. You’ll also receive:
On top of that, your driver will give you a mini tour of Sofia on the way to your destination while sharing some of their insider knowledge on things to see and do.
How much does a private transfer from Sofia Airport to the city cost?
When you book a private transfer you have the benefit of receiving a fixed quote ahead of time, detailing the overall cost. Knowing the final cost of your fare before traveling allows you to budget and travel with confidence, with peace of mind that the price won’t have added surcharges or increase if you get stuck in traffic.
That said, a Sofia Airport transfer to the city will cost €23 (BGN 45) for a ride in a comfortable sedan that can seat 4 passengers. Alternatively, you can choose to travel in an 8-seater minivan for €34 (BGN 66.50), ideal for larger groups and families.
To book your ride, you’ll need to enter your flight details and personal information, along with your preferred pick-up time online or through the Welcome Pickups app. The whole process can be completed in less than a minute.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Sofia International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Your personal Sofia Airport driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall of your terminal after you’ve collected your bags. You won’t miss them as they’ll be holding a sign with your name, plus you will have been sent their details along with a photo the day before. After introducing themselves, your driver will help you with your luggage and show you to your pre-selected private vehicle.
Convenience
Private transfers offer a fully personalized and customizable journey with complete flexibility over the schedule and vehicle type. Being able to organize everything in advance means there are no surprises on the day, ensuring a seamless and relaxing ride to your hotel. Not to mention the affordable pricing!
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€23Starting from 7.7 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€34Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 8 passengers
€34Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center?
When traveling by taxi, the cost from Sofia Airport to the city center shouldn’t be more than €10.30 (BGN 20), excluding tolls and surcharges.
How do I get to Sofia city center from the airport?
There are several ways to reach the city center from Sofia Airport. The quickest and easiest way is to take an airport taxi or private transfer which takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Is there a train from Sofia City to the airport?
There isn’t a train from Sofia Airport to the city center, however, there are other public transport options including the M4 metro line and the 84 and 184 bus lines, all of which cost €0.80 (BGN 1.60).
How far is Sofia from the airport?
The distance from Sofia Airport to the city center is approximately 10 km which takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach when traveling by taxi or private transfer. There is also the option of the metro which takes 18 minutes or two bus lines which take 40 minutes, both of which cost just €0.80 (BGN1.60).
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